Massaging apparatus for toilets



Oct. 17, 1961 M. H. GOTTBERG MASSAGING APPARATUS FOR TOILETS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 14, 1959 1 marl? M Oct. 17, 1961 M. H. GOTTBERG 3,004,534

MASSAGING APPARATUS FOR TOILETS Filed Jan. 14, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 M5 firr leuev of the patient, nurse or user at all times.

United States Patent I MASSAGING APPARATUS FORTOILETS Milton H. Gottberg, 904 S. 2nd St., Fairfield, Iowa Filed Jan. 14, 1959, Ser. No. 786,739 Claims. (Cl. 128-24) v My invention relates in generalto an improved toilet "and bed pan construction, and more, particularly, to apparatus of this nature, which is effective and beneficial in stimulatingv evacuation, relaxing the perineal areas and jic'ally'weak or disabled patient.

' 'It has long been recognized that physical stimulation of the area adjacent the rectum and of the buttocks is effective in relieving constipation, known as costiveness, stimulating bowelmovement and in aiding the release of 'providingcomfort' and assistance to the fbedfast and physintestinal gases. This is particularly the case with bedfast patients where-normal routine'aud physical activity is absent, and a general lowering of muscle tone and vigor andinsutficient intestinal-peristalsishas resulted. The

massaging of the anal regions and buttocks serves to relax the anal sphincter and stimulates intestinal peristalsis, and previous efforts to accomplish this purpose mechanically have largely been unsuccessful due to the complexity and cumbersome nature of the apparatus, thus precluding its use with the seriously ill, aged, convalescent or patients bedfast for other disabling reasons My invention therefore contemplates a rectal massaging apparatus which can be attached easily to a bed pan or other toilet receptacle, which is sanitary and capable of being completely sterilized and disinfested under hospital use, and which may be adjusted quickly to suit the individual and can be manually operated and controlled by the patient or individual to the extent each individual may desire or require.

Briefly, the invention comprises an adjustable toilet seat which can be raised or lowered at the will of the operator so that contact by a pair of relaxing members with the rectal region and buttocks will be effected to the degree and pressure desired. The massaging members are then moved in an in-and-out motion to stimulate the rectum and encourage bowel movement, release of 7 gas and pen'neal relaxation. The speed or frequency and pressure exerted by'the relaxing members is under control In addition, a slide or ramp is provided for moving and sliding patients on to the seat which is of great'advantage in the case of the very ill or physically disabled since in ordinary hospital practice this may take two or three nurses or aides in extreme cases of illness.

In addition to the objects of my invention as enumerated above, it is an object to provide a compact bed toilet structure of material having sanitary qualities which can be completely sterilized and disinfected after each use, as required in hospital practice.

' It is a further object to provide a toilet and a manually operable dilating or relaxing apparatus for use therewith I which issectional, easily disassembled for storage, rugged .and compact and designed with a minimum of complex operating features. I

It is a further object of my invention to 'provide an apparatus including plurality of manually operable massaging and relaxing members associated with a toilet construction and arranged to relax muscular tension in the rectal areas and stimulate evacuation.

It is still another object of my invention to provide a bed type toilet construction having an adjustable seat and provided with attachable ramp means for ease in handling physically infirm patients.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from a description of the subject invention, and my invention will be better understqod fromthe following detailed descrip- Patented Oct, 17,1 961 j 2 tion thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and its scope will be pointed out in the appended claims. I I

Referring now to the drawing; FIGURE 1 is a' top plan view of my invention showing the bed ramp attached thereto and in position for use. FIGURE 2 is a cross-section in elevation of-myinvention taken along the section lines 22 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a cross-section in elevation of my invention taken along the section lines 3-3 of FIGURE 1, this view being rotated with respect 10 FIGURE 2. FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of=the intermediate. and lower portions of my invention-having the toilet seat removed therefrom.

FIGURE 5 is a cross-section view in elevation of my invention and taken along the section lines 5-5 of FIGURE 4.

-' "FIGURE 6 is a top plan view of the bottom portion,

the pan or receptacle part of my invention.

FIGURE 7 is a side elevation view of the detachable ramp for use with my invention, and FIGURE 8 is a cross-section view of the ramp as shown infFIGURE 7 taken along the section lines 8-8 of FIGURE .7.

With reference to FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 2 of the drawing, I have shown a toilet seat 10 of moreor less conventional shape and construction which is supported above an intermediate rectangular frame indicated generally at 11 by means of a plurality of posts, 12 and 13, which are slidable in a pair of. sleeves 14 and 15 respectively, said sleeves being firmly secured in the intermediate frame 11. 7

Reference to FIGURE 4will show in plan view the sleeves 14, 15 and also a' third supporting post. 16 and associated sleeve 16. positioned at the front edge of the seat 10 and frame 11, as seen in FIGURE 3, thereby .providing-a three-point guided sliding suspension for the seat 10. The seat 10 is preferably formed of hollow construction having. a central aperture as shown and should be fabricated of stainless steel or some other well-known noncorrosive material which can be easily cleaned and disinfected, and which will withstand the high temperaturevrequired for sterilization. V

The intermediate frame 11 which is shown in plan yiew on FIGURE 4 is of generally rectangular formation and includes an inwardly turned downwardly extending inner edge 17 around its entire perimeter which forms a resting and supporting surface to position the intermediate frame ll upon a container or receptacle such as a conventional hospital bed pan 18 which is shown in plan view in FIGURE 6. V

The upper surface of the receptacle and bed pan 18 is provided with an inturned peripheral edge 19 thus defining a central aperture in the receptacle 18 and spaced at each side in the upper surface of this edge 19 are four holes 20 which are designed to receive corresponding studs or bosses 21 provided in the under surface of the frame 11, which can be seen on FIGURES 2 and 3 of the drawings. By this means the entire intermediate frame 11 is firmly and'securely positioned upon the pan Y18 and prevented from any sidewise or slipping motion relative thereto. It is apparentthat with certain changes in securing means, the frame 11.can be easily attached FIGURE 1 beneath the aperture in the seat 10, and have a generally arcuate formation as shown in cross-section in FIGURE 2. It is also desirable that the members 25 and .26 he. provided with smooth .ridges wor convolutions .attheir free .end.s,.as shown, ;to provide-a gentle grippin g action when in use.

The operating shafts 22 :and .23 for the members 25 .and .26 are each provided with a spur gear 27 and 28 secured near the rear end :of said .shafts, which spur gears are arranged to mesh with a pair of worm ,gears .29 .and 3.0, the worm gears -29and 30 being rightand left-hand thread andsecurelymounted on a transverse shaft 3.1 which is also rotatably-monnted in bearings 32 .at each .endof .saidshaft 31, ,saidbearings 32 being se- ;eured.;.to..the underside sofsthe'top of the intermediate frame 11. ."llhe transverseshaft 31 which carries the worm gears 29 and 30, extends at one ,end-thereofoutwardly afrorn the intermediate :frame 11 and is provided .at its-outer-end with crank .35 v for;. 1' .aI.1 a,l Operation by the user or an attendant.

.From ithezdescription .--.thus :far, it will be .apparent that as the crank .33 .is rotated, .the wormqgears 29 and 30 Mill-cause rotation .of the;spur. g.ears.27 and 28 respecztively and inropposed directions, and consequent rotation of rthe shafts .22 .and 23 together with .the manipulating members .25 .and 26 which 316 :carried "by said shafts. Thus, rotating .the .crank 33in one direction .will cause rthe members .'2-5-and. 26 .tomove-toward each other and a :reverse -.rotation of .the rcrankresults in .the opposite movement of the members 225 and .26 :away from each other. By this-means, a kneading or.massaging.or manipnlating action of back 'and forth movement can be obtained -onthe uppersurfaces .of the members 25 .and .26.

Reference to FIGURE 2 will show the position ..of the members 25 and '26 in the semi-closed position in full dines, and in the open position in dotted lines, :which approximates -therange -of motion which is .desired to impart to these members.

Inorder thatthe user or bedfast patient maylhave dhe apparatus adjusted *formost convenient and comfortable operation, Ihaveprovided means for manually raising or lowering the 'toilet seat l'tlwith relation to the. operating ends of the members '25 and '26. is accomplished by means -'of the cams, as best seen in FIGUREtZ, of which a pair 34 is provided on the'left side of-the'frame .11 and another pair 35-is provided-on the right side of the frame 11. For example,--the-cams34 arerigidly :se-

cured-to atransverseshaft'36 which is rotatably mounted inibearings '37 secured to the upper surface of-the intermediate frame 11, as seen in FIGURE-'4, and the shaft 36 is furtherprovided'with a'spurg'ear '38 at one end thereof which'is clearly'shown-in S. This gear .33 is in mesh with a left hand worm gear '39 and a corresponding :mechanical arrangement is provided on .the right side of the frame =11 whereinthe cams-35am secured to 'a transverse shaft "40, parallel -to shaft '36,

which in 'turnIis mountediinibearings l-lsecuredto the I .npper surface of the frame PM, and said shaft40 is 1 furitheirproyidedwith a spur gear 42 at one end thereof. The gear 42 'is; in mesh with a right hand worm gear-43, both of the worm gears i39-and 43 being keyed -or secured to atransverse shaft 44 which 'is carried by bear'ings ,45 also seemed to theupper surfaeeof the frame 11. QASQs'howminfFIGURES 4and 5'--the left end of the shaft 4'4is provided With-.a crank-46arrangedfor manual operation, so that by .mtatingthe "crank '46 in; one direction ,the cams 3 4 and'SS 'areboth caused-toturn upwardly and outwardly whereas rotation *of-the crank in the reverse direction .c auses the .cams 34 and 85 ;to returnto #the normal inwardlypo'inting downwardpositien.

' As described heretofore the seat 10 which is carried by the posts 12, 13 and 15, in 'guides 14, -15 and 16, is .capable of easjilybeing raised.andilowered in these guides, and in assembling the apparatus. "the "seat is placed in position'with'the supporting posts sliding inthe guideshi,

15 and 16' whereupon the under surface of the seat 10 will rest upon the upper surface of the cams 34 and 35, thus by rotating the earns the contour of the cams will continue to bear against the under surface of the seat 10 causing it to raise and thuscanlbe raised to any desired position of height up tothe full .travel.o'f.-the-cams 34 and 35.

Since the mechanism is operated bya worm and spur gear drive, no locking means are required to maintain the vseat n any desired position since .the worm gear itself is not susceptible of being turned orrotated by any force exerted by theassociatedspur gear, and there is no tend- ;encyforthe crank .46.and shaft to unwind.

A further partofthis .inventionliesin the use of a readily detachable ramp or slide which .is particularly .useful in the case of very ill, febleenphysically disabled patients, particularly ,where they are completely bedfast and unable to physically assist-themselves. This provides assistance .and .means for-the attendant 1101' nurse to easily slide the patient onto the apparatus since .the bed pan apparatus can be placed beside the patient in the bed, theramp easilyattached and thepatient .thengently and easily pushed up the ramp into positionaonthe toilet seat.

' FIGURE ,7 shows .-a;- s,ide view .of "the ramp forming a .part of my invention which isof generalopen Bil-shaped .construction consisting .of .a top part 47 and a base member -48 being rigidlyjoined .at one end thereof. The ramp is preferably madeof stainless steel or .other light non-corrosive metal and in .the normal .positiontheaper- .ture between the ends .of .the arms 47 and 48 is fless than the distance --to which (they will .be spread .upon attaching to the .bed pan and frame, thereby rautomatically serving to ckunp and secure .the ramp to .the .bed pan apparatus. 7

Reference to FIGURE .2 :and FIGURE .6 will show thatzthe bed panreceptacle lfiisproyidedon each side thereof with a base flange 49 which flange has a pair of .slots 50 :near each :end thereof designed to engage positioning pins 51 .extend upwardly from the inner .end surface .of .the lower .arm .8 of .the ramp. T eSe p 1 .5-l are also hOW Lin EIGURES. The upper arm 47 of the ramp is likewise attached to .the entire apparatus ,by means ref :the upwardly and. outwardly .extending flange .52 whichjs' secured to each side of .the

intermediate-frame 11,.and which .also is provided with apair of holes 53 for receiving .the. .seeuring and centering ins .54 Whichare affixed to the ..under-.s.urf.a.ceof .the vouter end of lhBQIrn 4710f .theramp. Thus, in attaching ,the ramp itis only necessary tospring the arm '47 and .48 apart slightly -,enga ging -.th,e.,pins .51.,and 54 .into their respective slots .50 and 5 3 whereupon the ramp is securely fastened to the entire assembly.

.The use of slots -50 .is-. advantageous sinceit. allows a limited,.amo unt of,flexingand,relatedmotion of the ramp withv respect to theremaining assembly. From .theforegoing it is apparent ;that.the ramp .c-ameasilybe attached to either side of the ,frame ljland pan l8 assembly.

.Asshownthe ,npperarm 57 .of .the rampmaybe of corrugated vor .eonvoluted .CIQSS3SQCIIQII as seen 'in FIG- URE 8.,sinee-it.isff llndfthat sliding aetion is superior andhandlingofrthe patient "is easier than when a completely flat smooth surface is used. 'fflhis additionally provides ri idit and strength. in .the J rry, thu enabling it to gbe made er structurally lighter .and hinn r aterial. .lr desired .ahandaripape t e1 5 y vbe P ovided inthe outerenjd of. th e ramp'to-facilitate'handling.

As has been pointedoutronseyeral qccasions hereto- ,fore, it is anticipated that this construction and .apparatus Will-find considerable use in'hosp'itals,convalescent homes and in non-ambulatory eases whereby one-frame and seat apparatus may be'used "with numerous receptacles to provide this service ;to numerous patients. Therefore, it is most essential and imperative that the entire apparatus be susceptible (if thorough cleaning and sterilization "in between -periods of use. 'fEorthat reason,

it is desirable that all parts be made of non-corrosive metals which can easily be sterilized, cleaned and kept bright and which will withstand the temperatures incurred in sterilization and various solutions used for sterilizing and antiseptic purposes. It is suggested that materials such as stainless steel, Monel and other stainless alloys of this nature are preferred for use in all parts of the apparatus.

A further advantage in this construction is that the apparatus is easily disassembled, the toilet seat portion being easily removable from its guides 14, and 16' and the operating mechanism and intermediate frame 11 being easily removed from the receptacle or pan 18. Thus, the separate parts of this apparatus can be individually sterilized and cleaned and also this construction lends itself to simplification in manufacture and ease of storage.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that this apparatus performs a valuable service and is an aid in assisting nature, particularly in the case of debilitated and bedfast patients. The apparatus lends itself to precise adjustment as to the height of the seat above the relaxing members 25 and 26 and by careful operation of the crank 33 a gentle massaging and relaxing action may be transmitted to the buttocks and rectal regions of the patient, thus stimulating and encouraging natural processes. The detachable ramp or slide is also of considerable value in handling patients and as shown and described, it can quickly be attached or removed from either side of the apparatus and serves also as a steadying support for the entire assembly when being used in a bed having relatively soft characteristics, the slide or ramp tending to increase the size of the base for stability.

While I have shown and described a particular and preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from my invention in its broader aspect and I therefore aim in the appended claims, to cover any such changes and modifications as may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. An article of manufacture comprising a substantially rectangular intermediate frame, a toilet seat movably supported on said frame, manual operating means for varying the spacing of said seat with said frame, a substantially rectangular receptacle having closed bottom and sides and a top portion with a centrally located aperture therein, positionin means for securing said frame to said receptacle, a pair of transverse shafts extending across the central portion of said frame, an arcuate shaped member secured to each shaft centrally thereof, means for effecting movement of said arcuate members toward each other and away from each other, said last named means including a manual operated crank assembly, a base flange secured to one side of said receptacle, an upper flange secured to the corresponding side of said intermediate frame, and a V-shaped ramp arranged for attachment to said flanges including a plurality of positioning pins carried by the open end of said ramp arranged for cooperation with spaced apertures on said base flange and upper flange.

2. An apparatus for massage of the rectum comprising a substantially rectangular intermediate frame, a toilettype seat construction movably supported above said frame, manual operating means for varying the vertical spacing of said seat relative to said frame, a receptacle having closed bottom and sides and a top portion with a centrally located aperture therein, positioning means for securing said frame to the upper surface of said receptacle, a pair of transverse shafts extending across the central portion of said frame, an arcuate shaped massage member secured to each shaft centrally thereof, means for effecting movement of said arcuate members toward each other and away from each other, a pair of base flanges secured to opposite sides of said receptacle, and a pair of upper flanges secured to the corresponding sides of said intermediate frame, and a' V-shaped ramp arranged for attachment to said flanges including a plurality of positioning pins carried by the open end of said ramp arranged for cooperation with spaced apertures on said base flanges and upper flanges.

3. An apparatus for rectal therapy comprising a substantially rectangular intermediate frame, a toilet seat movably supported in guides on said frame, manual operating means including a plurality of cams for varying the spacing of said seat with said frame, a substantially rectangular receptacle having closed bottom and sides and a top portion with a centrally located aperture therein, positioning means for securing said frame to said receptacle, a pair of transverse shafts extending across the central portion of said frame, an arcuate shaped massage member secured to each shaft centrally thereof, means for effecting clockwise and counter-clockwise rotary movement respectively of said arcuate members toward each other and away from each other, said last named means including a manually operated shaft with gear drive, a V-shaped ramp arranged for attachment to said frame and receptacle whereby said ramp is positioned sloping upward to and on a level with said toilet seat.

4. An apparatus for relaxing and massaging the rectum comprising a substantially rectangular intermediate frame, a toilet seat construction movably supported in sliding guides on said frame, manual operating means for varying the vertical spacing of said seat with said frame, including a plurality of eccentric cams carried by a pair of transverse shafts secured to said frame, a substantially rectangular receptacle having closed bottom and sides and a top portion with a centrally located aperture therein, positioning means including spaced pins for securing said frame to said receptacle, a pair of transverse shafts extending across the central portion of said frame, a spur gear on one end of each shaft, an arcuate shaped member secured to each shaft centrally thereof, and means for effecting movement of said arcuate members toward each other and away from each other, said last named means including a manually operated shaft having a right-hand and a left-hand worm gear thereon in mesh with said spur gears.

5. An apparatus for rel-axing and massaging the rectum comprising a substantially rectangular intermediate frame, a toilet seat construction movably supported in sliding guides on said frame, a manual operating means for varying the vertical spacing of said seat with said frame, including a plurality of eccentric cams carried by a pair of transverse shafts secured to said frame, a substantially rectangular receptacle having closed bottom and sides and a top portion with a centrally located aperture therein, positioning means including spaced pins for securing said frame to said receptacle, a pair of transverse shafts extending across the central portion of said frame, a spur gear on one end of each shaft, an arcuate shaped member secured to each shaft centrally thereof, and means for effecting movement of said arcuate members toward each other and away from each other, said last named means including a manually operated shaft having a right-hand and a left-hand worm gear thereon in mesh with said spur gears, a base flange secured to opposite sides of said receptacle and an upper flange secured to opposite sides of said intermediate frame, a V-shaped ramp arranged for attachment to said flange including a plurality of positioning pins carried by the open end of said ramp arranged for cooperation with spaced aperture on said base flange and upper flange.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 730,451 Friend June 9, 1903 2,204,343 Dawson June 11, 1940 2,256,994 Warshaw Sept. 23, 1941 2,790,182 Malin Apr. 30, 1957 

